Stop Press! ACDC for free?

It turns out that because I’m studying a course in the journalism faculty I qualify for a Press Pass (NUJ Card). I’m not really sure how it works but now as I have one, I’ll take you through my research into what it actually does, and see if it will get me free into the next ACDC concert.

The NUJ‘s Code of Conduct has set out the main principles of British and Irish journalism since 1936. The code is part of the rules and all journalists joining the union must sign that they will strive to adhere to it.

Members of the National Union of Journalists are expected to abide by the following professional principles:

NUJ Code of Conduct

A journalist:

1

At all times upholds and defends the principle of media freedom, the right of freedom of expression and the right of the public to be informed

2

Strives to ensure that information disseminated is honestly conveyed, accurate and fair

3

Does her/his utmost to correct harmful inaccuracies

4

Differentiates between fact and opinion

5

Obtains material by honest, straightforward and open means, with the exception of investigations that are both overwhelmingly in the public interest and which involve evidence that cannot be obtained by straightforward means

6

Does nothing to intrude into anybody’s private life, grief or distress unless justified by overriding consideration of the public interest

7

Protects the identity of sources who supply information in confidence and material gathered in the course of her/his work

8

Resists threats or any other inducements to influence, distort or suppress information and takes no unfair personal advantage of information gained in the course of her/his duties before the information is public knowledge

9

Produces no material likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, race, colour, creed, legal status, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation

10

Does not by way of statement, voice or appearance endorse by advertisement any commercial product or service save for the promotion of her/his own work or of the medium by which she/he is employed

11

A journalist shall normally seek the consent of an appropriate adult when interviewing or photographing a child for a story about her/his welfare

12

Avoids plagiarism

The NUJ believes a journalist has the right to refuse an assignment or be identified as the author of editorial that would break the letter or spirit of the code. The NUJ will fully support any journalist disciplined for asserting her/his right to act according to the code

Instructions on how to go about applying for entry to event

Request access in advance either by phone or by mail. Put written requests on company letterhead. Explain why you wish to cover the event and any special requirements you have, such as equipment or crew members that you will be bringing.

Show up to the event promptly. Make sure the press pass is visible. Be ready for a security check.

Introduce yourself to marketing and press coordinators. Ask to be included on future e-mail lists to receive notification of upcoming events.

If you need to try to gain access to an event at the last minute, try showing up to the venue and asking to speak with the press coordinator. It’s possible that showing your credentials and explaining your need for access could get you in. But it may not work for more secure events.
 Know the rules and follow them. Once you are given access don’t go into restricted areas.

 Be prepared to undergo a background check.

 Simply designing a press pass using your home computer and printer will not be enough to gain you entrance into events.